Craig Mazin speaks out after The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann’s exit from Season 3

The Last of Us Season 3 is going ahead without Neil Druckmann, the original creator of the game – and this is what Craig Mazin has to say about it.

Druckmann said it was a “difficult” decision to step away, but it felt like the right time before “any meaningful work” begins on Season 3, set to focus on Abby after the second season’s shocking, divisive cliffhanger.

The video game chief explained that he’ll be “transitioning his complete focus” to Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and future Naughty Dog projects (this may include TLOU Part 3, which has been rumored to be in development for years).

Whether or not there are other reasons for his departure remains unclear, but Mazin’s statement is supportive of Druckmann’s decision.

Craig Mazin “grateful” for Neil Druckmann after shock The Last of Us exit

In a statement to The Ankler, Mazin said it’s been a “creative dream to work with Neil and bring an adaptation of his brilliant work to life on HBO.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a more generous creative partner. As a true fan of Naughty Dog and Neil’s work in video games, I’m beyond excited to play his next game,” he continued.

“While he focuses on that, I’ll continue to work with our brilliant cast and crew to deliver the show our audience has come to expect. We are so grateful to Neil and Halley Gross for entrusting the incredible story of The Last of Us Part II to us, and we’re just as grateful to the millions of people around the world who tune in.”

Druckmann has been heavily involved in the HBO series since early in its development, even teasing Season 3 in multiple interviews after the second season’s finale.

There has been speculation online about other reasons behind his exit. Some believe he may have lobbied for a larger writing staff to produce a longer third season, something Mazin reportedly disagrees with. Others have theorized there may have been creative differences between the pair, especially as the series tees up its most polarizing stretch from the game.

Halley Gross, an executive producer and writer on the show, has also left the series. “I’m so appreciative of how special this experience has been… I want to express my gratitude to everyone who brought Ellie and Joel’s world to life with such care,” she wrote on social media.